Carson Benge wrapped up the Mets' Grapefruit League schedule with some impressive stats: a .366 batting average, a .435 on-base percentage, 5 RBIs, and even a stolen base. Yet, as he walked off the field on Sunday, he still didn’t know if he’d made the team. The Mets have kept him waiting.
Now, if Benge isn’t on the Opening Day roster, the Mets will have some explaining to do.
Digging into the Numbers
Sure, a .366 average in spring training might not raise eyebrows at first glance. After all, spring pitching can be hit or miss, and the competition varies.
But Benge’s performance wasn’t just a fluke against weaker arms. That .435 OBP tells us he was doing more than just swinging for the fences.
Benge was disciplined at the plate, working counts and spraying the ball to all fields. Defensively, he looked solid in right field.
The Mets wanted to see if Benge could handle the daily grind of big league life, and he answered that question with a resounding yes. The .366 average is impressive, but the way he achieved it is what really stands out.
And let’s not forget, he also hit a homer in an exhibition game against Team Israel, which certainly didn’t hurt his case.
Roster Dynamics
Benge's path to the roster was cleared a bit when Mike Tauchman suffered a torn meniscus, requiring surgery. This isn’t a knock on Benge; it’s just the reality of the situation.
With Tauchman sidelined, Benge seems poised not only to make the team but to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace, Paul Skenes, on Opening Day. That’s a far cry from just being a backup option.
At 23, Benge entered camp as the top outfield prospect for the Mets. He exceeded expectations, proving he’s ready for the big stage. The Mets don’t need to gamble on him; his spring performance gave them all the answers they needed.
After Sunday’s game, Benge told reporters he hadn’t heard anything yet. “Still waiting,” he said with a confident smile. He’s handled this uncertainty just like everything else this spring - with poise.
“I’m happy that I carried myself in a very good way and I showed everyone what kind of person I am,” Benge shared, according to SNY. “I feel like that spoke the loudest for me.”
As the Mets head back to New York for an intra-squad scrimmage before Thursday’s opener at Citi Field, don’t be surprised if Benge is in that lineup against Skenes. The real question is, what could possibly justify any other decision by the Mets?